Rancho Cucamonga, CA Animal Ordinances: Beekeeping (2026)
Key Facts
- Zones allowed
- VL zone only
- Maximum colonies per lot
- 2
- Hive setback
- 50 feet from property lines, streets, dwellings
- Flyway barrier height
- At least 6 feet tall
- Water source requirement
- Within 300 feet of apiary, year-round
Summary
Beekeeping is limited to the VL residential zone and capped at 2 hives per lot. Hives must sit in a rear yard at least 50 feet from any property line, street, school, park or occupied dwelling, behind a 6-foot flyway barrier that forces bees to fly above six feet.
A. Beekeeping is allowed in the VL zone. The principal use of the property on which beehives are kept must be residential. B. Beehives, structures for housing honeybees, shall only be located in rear yards and shall be placed a minimum of 50 feet from any property line, street, road, highway, public school, park, property boundary, and from any dwelling or place of human habitation other than that occupied by the owner or care-taker of the apiary or further if determined to be beneficial for health and safety purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4999536; v21 updated 2026-07-15).
Full Breakdown
020-1 caps bee colonies at 2 per lot, VL zone only. 030(B)). 030(C)). 030(D)). 030(E)).
Violations & Fines
Keeping hives outside the VL zone, exceeding the two-colony cap, or failing to maintain the required 50-foot setback, flyway barrier or water source is enforceable as a general municipal code violation under Section 1.12.010, punishable as a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, or as an infraction with escalating fines; an aggressive colony that is not re-queened as required by Section 17.88.030(E) can also be treated as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep bees anywhere in Rancho Cucamonga?
How far must a beehive be from my neighbor's yard?
What is a flyway barrier and do I need one?
What if my bees become aggressive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cucamonga
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cucamonga to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Beekeeping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle beekeeping.